Lotus Evora

The Lotus Evora is a sports car produced by British car manufacturer Lotus.[1] The car, which was developed under the project name Project Eagle, was launched as the Evora on 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show.[3] The Evora S was launched in 2010 with a supercharged 3.5-litre V6. A facelifted and more powerful Evora 400 model was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show,[4] followed by a more powerful variant, the Evora GT430 which was unveiled in 2017.[5]

Lotus Evora
Lotus Evora 400
Overview
ManufacturerLotus Cars
Production2009–2021
Model years2010–2021
AssemblyHethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
DesignerRussell Carr[1]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
2-door 2+2 coupé
LayoutTransverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
RelatedLotus 3-Eleven
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE V6[1][2]
3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE Supercharged V6
Transmission6-speed Aisin AI manual[1]
6-speed Aisin AI IPS automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,575 mm (101.4 in)[1]
Length4,395 mm (173.0 in)
Width1,848 mm (72.8 in)
Height1,229 mm (48.4 in)
Kerb weight1,248 kg (2,751 lb)–1,442 kg (3,179 lb)

The Lotus Evora is based on the first all-new vehicle platform from Lotus Cars since the introduction of the Lotus Elise in 1995 (the Exige and the 2006 Europa S are both derivatives of the Elise).[6][7] The Evora was planned to be the first vehicle of three to be built on the same platform,[8] The sales target was 2,000 cars per year, with prices between £45,000 and just over £50,000,[1] and sales in America scheduled from the beginning of 2010.[9]

Overview
Lotus Evora clay model
Rear view
engine
Interior

The Evora is the first product of a five-year plan started in 2006 to expand the Lotus line-up[2] beyond its current track-specialized offerings, with the aim of being more of a practical road car that would appeal to the mainstream market.[10] As such it is a larger car than recent Elise models and its derivatives (the Exige, Europa S, etc.), with an unladen weight of 1,383 kg (3,049 lb), with the automatic version weighing in at 1,442 kg (3,179 lb). It is currently the only Lotus model with a 2+2 configuration, although it has been announced that it will also be offered in a two-seater configuration, referred to as the "Plus Zero" option.[1] The Evora, along with the BMW i8, are the only 2+2 mid-engine coupés on sale. This, however is the only one out of the two cars that has no hybrid system. The interior is larger to allow taller persons to fit, such as the then Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley,[1] and two 6'5" (195.6 cm) tall people.[11]

The cooled boot behind the engine is large enough to fit a set of golf clubs, although Lotus Design Head Russell Carr denies that this was intentional.[1] Lotus intends the Evora to compete with different market sectors including the Porsche 911.

Nomenclature

The name "Evora" keeps the Lotus tradition of beginning model names with an "E". The name is derived from the words Evolution, VOgue, and auRA.[12] Other names considered were Eagle, Exira and Ethos; Exira was rejected as it was considered not good enough and the other two because it would be difficult for Lotus to claim them as a trademark.[2] The name "Evora" sounds similar to Évora, which is the name of a Portuguese city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Portugal.

Specifications

The Evora is equipped with a mid-mounted, transverse, Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre 24-valve 2GR V6 engine. The Evora S uses the same engine but with a supercharger. Both versions are available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with "Intelligent Precision Shift" manufactured by Aisin.[13] The Evora has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.337.[1] The Evora is constructed on a lightweight aluminum tub with an additional front crash structure also made from aluminum, along with a steel rear sub-frame which houses the drivetrain. The chassis was designed to utilize bespoke 6000 series alloy extrusions which are then bonded with an epoxy based adhesive, and subsequently riveted together in order to increase torsional rigidity. The Evora also utlises forged aluminium double wishbone suspension with Bilstein high-performance gas dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs. A hydraulically assisted power steering is used for increased maneuverability.

Models

Evora S
Lotus Evora S

In 2010, Lotus unveiled a high performance variant of the Evora called the Evora S. The "S" in the name stood for "Supercharged" but was not intercooled. The car had the same standard design but was more powerful, now rated at 345 hp (257 kW; 350 PS) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque due to a new supercharger manufactured by Harrop.[14] The exhaust of the car was also replaced with a single-tubed exhaust system. The suspension's dampers were re-calibrated to suit the vehicle's new suspension characteristics. The steering also received re-calibration.

The car was able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 172 mph (277 km/h).

Lotus ceased production of the S in 2014 and later replaced it and the standard Evora with a new variant called the Evora 400 in 2015.

The Romanian Police have a Lotus Evora S in their line-up as of 2012.[15]

Evora 400
Evora 400

The Evora 400 is a new variant that replaces the Evora and the Evora S.[16] The "400" in the name is a reference to the vehicle's horsepower rating. The improved engine output of 400 hp (298 kW; 406 PS) and 302 lb⋅ft (409 N⋅m) of torque is due to an intercooled supercharger developed by Edelbrock. The Evora 400 has an all-new body kit design, which helps produce an extra 23 kg (51 lb) of downforce. The exhaust has a new driver-activated system which allows the driver to increase the roar of the exhaust. The interior was slightly revised, notably with narrower sills for simplified entry and exit, a new dashboard design and centre console design. The wheel set was also different, now having new forged wheels as an option. The wing was changed to a split rear wing. The car has a total weight of 1,395 kg (3,075 lb).

Acceleration from 0+60 mph (97 km/h) is at 4.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than the S variant. The 400 can attain a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h).

Evora Sport 410
Lotus Evora Sport 410

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Lotus unveiled the Evora Sport 410, a slightly enhanced version of the 400.[17] The car's 3.5-liter Toyota-derived V6 received a power increase by 10 hp (7 kW; 10 PS), for a total of 410 hp (306 kW; 416 PS). The torque was also improved at 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m).

The exterior received no modifications but weight was reduced to 1,325 kg (2,921 lb).

The performance figures were improved with the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time now at 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h). However, if the IPS automatic transmission system is used, top speed is reduced to 174 mph (280 km/h).

Evora GT430
Lotus Evora GT430
Rear view

In 2017, Lotus unveiled the most powerful variant of the Evora and in turn the fastest road legal Lotus ever made, the Evora GT430. It is the part of an entirely new range in the Evora family, called the performance range.[18] The car's 3.5 liter Toyota-derived V6 has an increased power output of 430 hp (321 kW; 436 PS) due to an Edelbrock supercharger and a titanium exhaust system. The torque figures were also improved at 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) for manual transmission cars and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) for cars with automatic transmission due to launch control and fast gear change ratios. This version is also the lightest and weighs 1,258 kg (2,773 lb) for manual transmission cars and 1,310 kg (2,888 lb) for automatic transmission cars. The cars with automatic transmission weigh more due to the added weight of the gear box and its cooling system. Top speed also varies for manual and automatic cars due to added weight and gearbox differences and are rated at 174 mph (280 km/h) for automatic cars and 190 mph (306 km/h) for manual transmission cars. Due to the increased torque the automatic transmission cars are a little bit quicker than the manual transmission cars having a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 3.6 seconds (automatic) and 3.7 seconds (manual) respectively. It also generates more downforce (250 kg at 190 mph) than its previous variants. Only 60 units of the Evora GT430 will be produced. Exterior wise, the car has a new and aggressive body kit that features a bigger carbon fibre rear wing, bigger air intakes, forged aluminum wheels, polycarbonate lights and carbon fibre bodywork in order to keep the weight low. The interior is also stripped down in order to save weight and removes the rear seats along with the addition of carbon fiber components and racing seats, it also features a plaque signifying the car's production number. The creature comforts are retained with air-conditioning included as standard.

Evora GT430 Sport and GT410 Sport

Later in 2017, Lotus unveiled another variant of the Evora GT430 called the Evora GT430 Sport. It features a more aero dynamic body and removes the GT430s rear wing for smoother airflow and to reduce drag. This helps increase the top speed to 196 mph (315 km/h) with the automatic version having a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) due to added gearbox weight. The GT430 is also lighter than the Evora 400 and weighs 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) for the automatic version and 1,248 kg (2,751 lb) for the manual version.

To celebrate its 70th anniversary Lotus unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport. Available as a two-seater or 2+2 the GT410 Sport takes the GT430's basic shape and adds new composite front and rear body panels minus some of the 430's higher downforce pieces for a more-subtle shape. The revised front panel has bigger carbon fibre air ducts, the idea being to more-efficiently move air around the front wheels, cutting turbulence and drag. Deeper front and rear splitters and carbon ducts behind the rear wheels add downforce. In total downforce increases by 211 pounds. Other carbon pieces include the front access panel, roof panel and rear decklid. The car is powered by the same engine powering the rest of the Evora lineup, rated at 410 hp (306 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque, allowing for a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds with the manual and four seconds with the six-speed automatic. The car weighs 2,859 lb (1,297 kg), 62 lb (28 kg) less than the 410.

Evora GT
2020 Lotus Evora GT

In June 2019, for the 2020 model year, Lotus introduced the Evora GT for the North American market only. This car has a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 like the rest of the line up, but is rated at 416 hp (310 kW; 422 PS) and 317 lb⋅ft (430 N⋅m) for the manual and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) for the automatic; the manual gets a standard Torsen rear differential. Regardless of transmission choice the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time is estimated at 3.8 seconds. Top speed is different between the two with the automatic capable of 174 mph (280 km/h) and the manual having a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). It uses some of the same aero bits from the Evora GT410 sport which helps it produce 141 lb (64 kg) of downforce at maximum speed. This variant of the Evora weighs between 3,104 lb (1,408 kg) and 3,199 lb (1,451 kg) depending on which options are selected. The optional Carbon Pack includes a carbon fiber roof, rear tailgate, and front access panel which reduces weight by 49 lb (22 kg). The optional titanium exhaust reduces weight further by 22 lb (10 kg). Choosing the manual transmission over the automatic saves an additional 24 lb (11 kg).

ModelPowerTorqueEmissions
CO
2		Top speedAcceleration
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h)		Economy
(combined)
Evora280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,400 rpm350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 4,600 rpm217 g/km163 mph (262 km/h)4.8 seconds30.3 mpg‑imp (9.3 L/100 km; 25.2 mpg‑US)
Evora IPS280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,400 rpm350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 4,600 rpm210 g/km159 mph (256 km/h)5.0 seconds31.4 mpg‑imp (9.0 L/100 km; 26.1 mpg‑US)
Evora S350 PS (257 kW; 345 hp) at 7,000 rpm400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm229 g/km178 mph (286 km/h)4.4 seconds28.7 mpg‑imp (9.8 L/100 km; 23.9 mpg‑US)
Evora S IPS350 PS (257 kW; 345 hp) at 7,000 rpm400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm224 g/km167 mph (269 km/h)4.5 seconds29.3 mpg‑imp (9.6 L/100 km; 24.4 mpg‑US)
Evora 400406 PS (299 kW; 400 hp) at 7,000 rpm410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm225 g/km186 mph (299 km/h)4.1 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora 400 IPS406 PS (299 kW; 400 hp) at 7,000 rpm410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm230 g/km174 mph (280 km/h)4.1 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora Sport 410416 PS (306 kW; 410 hp) at 7,000 rpm420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm225 g/km190 mph (306 km/h)4.0 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora Sport 410 IPS416 PS (306 kW; 410 hp) at 7,000 rpm420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm230 g/km174 mph (280 km/h)4.1 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora GT410 Sport416 PS (306 kW; 410 hp) at 7,000 rpm440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm234 g/km190 mph (306 km/h)3.9 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora GT410 Sport IPS416 PS (306 kW; 410 bhp) at 7,000 rpm450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm234 g/km174 mph (280 km/h)4.0 secs29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora GT421 PS (310 kW; 415 hp)429–450 N⋅m (316–332 lb⋅ft)274 g/km188 mph (303 km/h)3.8 seconds26 mpg‑imp (11 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑US)
Evora GT430 Sport436 PS (321 kW; 430 hp) at 7,000 rpm440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm234 g/km196 mph (315 km/h)3.7 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)
Evora GT430 Sport IPS436 PS (321 kW; 430 hp) at 7,000 rpm450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm234 g/km174 mph (280 km/h)3.6 seconds29.1 mpg‑imp (9.7 L/100 km; 24.2 mpg‑US)

Special editions

Evora 414E Hybrid

In 2012, Lotus produced a prototype hybrid Evora, called 414E. Developed as a demonstration project for the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board, the range-extended electric coupe emits 55 g/km CO
2 and has an electric only driving range of 30 miles.[19] When combined with the 3-cylinder 1.2-litre (1198 cc) petrol engine acting as a generator (as a similar manner to the Chevrolet Volt), the 414E has a range of 300 miles. The 414E formed the basis of the Infiniti Emerg-e concept car.[20]

Evora S Carabinieri
Lotus Evora S Carabinieri

In July 2011, Lotus Cars donated two Evora S models with special equipment to the Carabinieri, the Italian gendarmerie. Lotus will take care of the maintenance of the cars and the training for the drivers.

Evora GTE Road Car

The Evora GTE road version is a variant of the Evora that was built to permit its racing variant to be able to race under GT3 and LM GTE regulations.[21] There were only 25 of these special editions built. The road car uses the race car's engine, and produces 438 hp (327 kW; 444 PS), making it the most powerful Lotus ever made. The weight of the car has been lowered drastically, and is now at 1,277 kg (2,815 lb).

Motorsport

LM GTE
Townsend Bell in an Evora GTE during 2012 Petit Le Mans

During the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Lotus announced the Evora Enduro GT concept, as a follow up to the Type 124 and GT4 race cars. Lotus is aiming for this car to enter into the LM GTE category by mid-2011, with a 444 hp (331 kW; 450 PS) Toyota-supplied V8.

Lotus entered two Evoras at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, which were run by the Jetalliance Racing team. Despite overheating issues during practice and qualifying, car No. 65 finished 22nd overall, completing 295 laps, whilst car No. 64 retired after 126 laps.

In 2012, Jetalliance Racing failed to negotiate a deal to run the cars in Europe; instead, Alex Job Racing chose to run a LM GTE in the American Le Mans Series. Alex Job Racing did not get a good outcome from this however, and the car was later replaced by a Ferrari 458 Italia GT2 as the main race car for the team.

Group GT4
Cor Euser Racing Lotus Evora GT4 at the 2015 12 Hours of Zandvoort

Ollie Hancock won the Nürburgring round of the 2010 GT4 European Cup season. A team including Johnny Mowlem, Stefano D'Aste and Gianni Giudici finished on the podium in the 2011 Dubai 24 Hour endurance race.[22]

In 2011, Stefano D'Aste was the first Italian driver after Mario Andretti to win on Circuit Park Zandvoort with an official Lotus car and the car was the Evora GT4. D'Aste was in first position of the GT4 European Series till the last race but due to a problem that occurred to the engine he got a third position in the series, which was still good, considering that it was the first year that the official Lotus Evora GT4 took part to a full season competing with cars like the BMW M3, Porsche 911, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, and the Chevrolet Camaro. The Evora proved capable of keeping up with these cars.

In 2012, Richard Adams, David Green and Martin Byford won the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship in a Lotus Evora GT4.

GT300
Cars Tokai Dream28 Lotus Evora GT300 at Fuji Speedway

Cars Tokai has run a Lotus Evora since 2015 in the GT300 class of Super GT, with backing from Lotus Cars Japan. Engineered by Mooncraft, the Evora GT300 MC is built to the series' "Mother Chassis" regulations, and as such, is a silhouette racing car sharing almost no parts with its production counterpart. As with all other Mother Chassis cars, it is built on a Dome chassis and powered by a Nissan VK45DE naturally aspirated V8. The Evora took its maiden victory at Fuji Speedway in 2020.

Reception

The Evora received several accolades at its launch from the British motoring press, including: Britain's Best Driver's Car 2009 from Autocar[23] and Car of the Year 2009, from Evo.[24]

The car was reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson on the television show Top Gear. Overall his review was positive: he was very happy with the performance, handling and comfort. He was extremely impressed with the ride comfort even after driving it into a field saying "Here, the suspension is taking the knocks, not me." and described the car as "the only car I've ever driven, ever, which is a killer attack dog and an old sofa". However, he considered the rear seats to have not enough legroom, the interior felt tinny and the satellite navigation was sub-optimal.[25]

Road & Track put the Evora in #2 place in their annual "Performance Car of the Year" contest in 2017, noting the Evora is "fully deserving of the ACBC badge on its nose, this brave and charming two-plus-two is perhaps the finest over-the-road enthusiast vehicle available for sale at any price."[26]

References
  1. "Lotus Evora". EVO. Dennis Publishing. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 22 July 2008.
  2. "London show: Lotus Evora". Autocar. Haymarket Media. 22 July 2008. Archived from the original on 27 July 2008. Retrieved 22 July 2008.
  3. "2009 Lotus Evora revealed: Project Eagle arrives". Leftlane News. 22 July 2008. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2008.
  4. "Evora 400". Top Gear. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  5. "Evora GT430 is the fastest production Lotus ever". road and track. 6 September 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  6. Holmes, Jake (March 2008). "2008 Lotus Europa SE – Auto Shows". Car & Driver. Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  7. Mitani, Sam (August 2009). "Driving Impression: 2010 Lotus Evora". Road & Track. Newport Beach, California: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. 60 (12): 52–55. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  8. "London show: Lotus Evora". Autocar. Haymarket Group. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  9. Davis, Matt (13 May 2009). "The Baby Ferrari That Ferrari Refuses To Build". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 26 June 2009.
  10. "2010 Lotus Evora – Test drive and new car review – 2010 Lotus Evora". Cars.about.com. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  11. "Lotus Evora in Details at BIMS". AutoSpies.com. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 24 July 2008.
  12. Mitani, Sam (August 2009). "2010 Lotus Evora". Road & Track. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. 60 (12): 52–55. Retrieved 9 August 2009.
  13. Adcock, Ian (October 2011). "Lotus Evora IPS". Road & Track. 63 (2): 39.
  14. "2011 Lotus Evora S – Short Take Road Test". Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  15. "Poliţia Română, dotată cu Lotus Evora S. Vezi aici cum arată maşina | Romania Libera" (in Romanian). Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  16. "Evora 400 | Lotus Cars". www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  17. "Evora Sport 410 | Lotus Cars". www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  18. "Evora GT430 | Lotus cars". www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  19. Clarke, Paul (22 October 2012). "Lotus Evora 414E: behind the wheel of an electric sports car". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  20. Holloway, Hilton (1 October 2012). "First drive review: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid". Autocar. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  21. "New hardcore Lotus Evora GTE". Evo. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  22. "Lotus Evora GT4 Endurance gets on the podium in Dubai". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 19 January 2011.
  23. "Evora is UK's Best Driver's Car". Autocar.co.uk. 14 August 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  24. Barker, John (22 November 2010). "Lotus Evora Supercharged review". Evo. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  25. Presenters: CLARKSON, J., HAMMOND, R., MAY, J. (21 June 2009). "Lotus Evora road test". Top Gear. Series 13. Episode 1. BBC. BBChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHcLP0wvENQ |transcript-url= missing title (help). Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  26. Baruth, Jack (31 October 2016). "Road & Track's 2017 Performance Car of the Year". Road & Track. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
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